Medical Hypotheses
February 11, 2019
K.p.c. Kuypers
34 citations
Psychedelic substances show promise for treating stress-related disorders, with effects that can persist after a single dose. Even low, micro-doses that do not alter consciousness may improve cognitive processes and well-being. The neurobiological mechanisms behind these lasting effects remain unclear. While prior research focused on the central nervous system, immune system, and neuroendocrine system, a central role is proposed for sleep and the microbiome in the effects of regular and low doses of psychedelics, respectively. The hypothesis is explained and studies to test it are suggested. A holistic approach is needed, incorporating all affected biological processes and factors like route of administration, form, diet, and lifestyle.
Medical Hypotheses
March 23, 2018
K.p.c. Kuypers
16 citations
Creativity involves both flexible divergent thinking and rigid convergent thinking. Psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin can enhance creativity and influence mood, empathy, and openness to experience. Flexible thinking is impaired in anxiety disorders and depression, and preliminary evidence suggests psychedelics may help treat these conditions. The neurobiological mechanisms by which psychedelics enhance flexible thinking remain unknown. A model is proposed that integrates neuronal networks, neurotransmitters, and personal factors, which can be tested through placebo-controlled pharmaco-imaging studies in healthy volunteers.
Psychopharmacology
June 20, 2026
E. C. H. M. Haijen-Bongers, P.p.m. Hurks, J. Schepers et al.
In adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, six weeks of biweekly low-dose lysergic acid diethylamide (20 µg) produced a limited effect on temporal processing, specifically on a time reproduction task, but did not improve performance on other neuropsychological measures of attention, inhibition, or motivational processing. The finding was observed in a secondary analysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 46 completers. Baseline performance predicted some treatment outcomes differently between the LSD and placebo groups. The authors caution that the single positive result should be interpreted cautiously, especially because the parent trial showed no corresponding improvements in clinical symptoms.